Powder down | feather | Britannica (original) (raw)

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ciconiiforms

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  In ciconiiform: Plumage and coloration
  …(two or more pairs) of powder down feathers are especially characteristic of the herons. These feathers break down to produce a fine powder, which is distributed to the plumage with the bill in preening.
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description

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  In integument: Birds
  …disintegrate into a fine scaly powder that becomes distributed over the plumage, providing protection against wetting and giving it a peculiar sheen; accordingly, these specialized down feathers are called powder down.
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parrots

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  In psittaciform: Skin and plumage
  Powder downs, which occur in a variety of birds, including some parrots, are specialized feathers, usually found in well-defined patches, that produce a powdery substance used to clean and waterproof the other feathers. They are well developed in cockatoos, in which they occur primarily as…
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